Candlelight vigil set Sunday night for Hayward homicide victim

HAYWARD -- A candlelight vigil is slated Sunday in memory of a 19-year-old homicide victim found dead this week in an abandoned Hayward business.

On Friday, police identified a body found Tuesday night inside an abandoned auto repair shop at 28953 Mission Blvd. as that of Ernesto Luis Calleros, who disappeared last month.

The vigil is set for 6 p.m. outside the auto repair shop, said Amy Rickard, spokeswoman for Citizens For the Lost.

"This is a tragic loss to his family as well as the Hayward community," Rickard said Saturday. "Please come and support the Calleros family as they mourn the death of a beloved young man, son, grandson, nephew, boyfriend, friend."

Those who plan to attend are asked to bring a candle.

Calleros was last seen Oct. 21 leaving his home near Folsom and Pompano avenues, police said. His father reported him missing Nov. 1, police said.

Police did not release the cause of death but did say the case was being treated as a homicide. The man's identity was confirmed through dental records and an examination, police said. The body appeared to have been there for a lengthy amount of time based on the level of decomposition, police said.

Rickard called Calleros a family man from a tight-knit family who was happiest when he was around loved ones.

"He loved his mom and dad so much that he went to their house every morning to have coffee with them," Rickard said. "He had a very generous heart and always helped people when he could."

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Calleros was an Oakland Raiders fan who dreamed of becoming a chef.

He loved old classic cars and car shows and playing video games, Rickard said.

"He will be deeply missed," she said.

Anyone with information about Calleros' death or disappearance can call police at 510-293-7000 or submit an anonymous tip at 510-293-7197.